Da Sweet Blood of Jesus (FILM REVIEW)
Da Sweet Blood of Jesus
Film Review
by Kam Williams
Spike Lee Remakes Blaxploitation Era Horror Flick
The Kickstarter page where Spike Lee
raised $1,418,910 from fans for his latest “Joint” expressly states that the
money would not used to shoot a remake of Blacula (1972). But it also failed to
inform investors that the crowdfunded feature was ostensibly-inspired by
another Blaxploitation era horror flick, namely, Ganja &
Hess (1973). And after screening this disappointing indie, it’s obvious there was
no reason to redo that picture either.
Spike’s sharp decline
as a filmmaker in recent years is nothing short of shocking, with Oldboy (2013)
and Red Hook Summer (2012) also submitted for your disapproval. Claims to the
contrary notwithstanding, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus is basically a boring vampire
adventure that’s severely lacking in terms of tension, thrills, premise,
storyline, special f/x, plausibility, production value, editing and character
development. Am I forgetting anything?
The tawdry tale
revolves around Dr. Hess Greene (Stephen Tyrone Williams), a wealthy anthropologist
specializing in African Art History. This unrepentant bon vivant divides his
time between New York City and an oceanfront summer home up on Martha’s
Vineyard, living in the lap of luxury with the help of a private jet, a chauffeured
Rolls Royce, and a loyal manservant (Rami Malek).
The plot thickens
soon after Dr. Greene is stabbed with an ancient Ashanti artifact, when he develops
an insatiable addiction to blood. To satisfy the craving, he steals some from a
hospital, and he also embarks on a killing spree. Besides gratuitous
slaughter, the film indulges in frontal nudity and eroticized violence,
including a sleazy, lesbian sex scene that looks like an outtake from a soft
core snuff film.
What would Jesus do, Spike? Repent!
Fair (1 star)
Unrated
Running time: 123 minutes
Studio: 40 Acres
& a Mule Filmworks
Distributor: Gravitas
Ventures
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